The Iballcoach Mini Apps have been launched. Initially available for Android on the Google Play Store, our dashboard contains two analytical tools. These tools will help coaches understand and easily analyse aspects of the game at any point in time. The results are presented simply so the players of any age group can also easily understand what has happened. This can lead to really constructive conversations and training plans to either build on or improve the areas that have been recognised.

The first tool is a pass counter. Historically, these counters have been used to count the number of passes made during a period of time. However, these hand held metal clickers have been a fairly blunt tool. They tell you how many passes have been made but not much else. Our Pass_Counter is much better: it tells you how many passes you've completed, how many passes have been missed and what type of passes. The data can be saved, restored and reviewed. You can compare a game on television to your own match - how do the stats differ? What can you learn? What could you do to help your team improve?

The second tool enables coaches to easily identify where your team wins or loses the ball most frequently on the pitch. This information will tell a really important story. Do you lose the ball on the wings high up the pitch or centrally, mid way in your own half? Does this provide an insight into why your defence appears to be strong or weak? Is it that your midfield win or lose posession in dangerous places, relieving or causing pressure. With that information what could you, should you coach? What do the players think? Can they identify a problem or a strength and work out what to do next?

Download the App now from the Google Play Store. It only cost £1.20 and you get both of the initial tools. More "standard" tools will be added to the dashboard and you will get access to those too. What tools would you like to see included? Let us know and we'll see what we can do!

The Pass_Counter is the first tool on the dashboard. This simple tool enables the coaches and players understand how many passes are completed and failed. However, unlike the old metal hand held clickers, this tool gives you so much more. It records how many short passes you have completed and failed. It also records your long pass success and failure record. At the end of the match, the half, the training session (or whatever you like) you can save the data and review it at a later date.

The information that you can gain from this type of tool helps coaches and players understand what kind of passing can be most effective. Being able to understand what is successful and what isn't can help coaches decide how they want their teams to play. The players can also start to understand, and mentally adapt, to what is being asked from them.

What is great about this tool is that the coach can ask parents to download it onto their phones and keep count for them. You can even compare a professional game on television (or live) to your team's performance. What does it tell you?